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( Issue 54 with fiction by Jeffery Deaver, William Trevor, David Marcum, Andrew McQuilkin, a feature article by Lisa Gardner and an exclusive interview with Caleb Carr PLUS a one-year subscription (four) Issues).

In this issue we are very lucky to include William Trevor’s previously unpublished story “The Unknown Girl,” which is due to be released in May as part of a collection of his works titled Last Stories. Among our other short stories in this issue, we are honored to share “Circumstantial,” a Lincoln Rhyme story by the great Jeffery Deaver in which the cold, hard facts of forensic science may not be enough to catch a murderer. David Marcum joins us as well, putting Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on the case of a gruesome package in “The Tea Merchant’s Dilemma.” And we have a humorous story,“The P.I’s Last Day,” by Andrew McQuilkin, who sadly passed away three years ago, not long after we accepted the story for publication in the Strand .

We have an exclusive interview with Caleb Carr, whose unsurpassed Alienist books have now been turned into a television series on TNT. If you’ve ever craved a glimpse behind the curtain of the historical mystery genre, Carr’s thoughts on research, inspiration, and fact vs. fiction do not disappoint. Meanwhile, the ever-prolific Lisa Gardner—who tops the list when it comes to innovative practitioners of the psychological thriller—has been kind enough to share a list of her very own tips for writing success.

The Strand is such a gem. I tell everyone who will listen that they should treat themselves to a subscription. It makes a great birthday gift to others and to ourselves.

Rated 5 out of 5

Philip Humbaugh –April 24, 2018

Buy this issue! There is a little something for everyone here. I was especially drawn to William Trevor’s haunting tale of “The Unknown Girl.” I felt right at home with Marcum’s story with old friends, Homes and Watson.

Lisa Gardner’s single page of writing tips is worth the price of admission alone. Closing the issue with the Caleb Carr interviews left me fully satisfied with this tasty issue.